Boss: No complaints after City loss

07 Nov 2010 21:52:08

Di Matteo says Baggies 'unfortunate' in defeat Roberto Di Matteo says he has no complaints after losing Albion’s unbeaten home record to an in-form Manchester City side. City’s 2-0 victory was Albion’s first league defeat at The Hawthorns since January after a first-half brace from Mario Balotelli. After the break the Baggies bravely fought back but twice found Joe Hart’s woodwork instead of the back of the net. Despite Albion’s misfortune, Roberto Di Matteo admits City deserved the points after finding the visitors in impressive form. "There is never a good time to play a team like City because they have so many good players," said the Italian. "It's a shame we found them in good form. "I think it's fair to say City were very good today and we need to give them credit. "They never let us settle into the game - especially in the first half. "We tried to press them but they were good and moved the ball around in a one-touch style. "They had good possession and quality players on the pitch. "They were coming off the line, rotating and they just had quality on the ball. "Balotelli showed sheer power and strength to hold off our defender on their second goal. "And it was difficult for our boys today. "In the second half, we managed to get closer to them. "We put them under a little bit of pressure. "We were a bit unfortunate in hitting the post and crossbar. "Maybe, if we'd got one goal back, it would have lifted the crowd and ourselves a little bit more and given us a better chance." Alongside the disappointment of defeat, Albion’s misery was compounded when Youssouf Mulumbu received his marching orders in the 82nd minute for a second bookable offence. Di Matteo admits he has no argument over the booking, but says his midfielder did not realise he was already cautioned in the first-half. "In terms of Youssouf's second yellow card, there was no doubt about it,” he added. "But he wasn't aware he had received a yellow card for the first one. "That's why he was surprised."